Human Remains Discovered In Southern California Identified As Missing New Jersey Woman Lauren Cho
FLEMINGTON, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- Authorities confirmed Thursday human remains discovered in southern California are missing New Jersey woman Lauren Cho.
The 30-year-old Flemington woman traveled cross-country with her boyfriend before disappearing. She was last seen in Yucca Valley, which is about 12 miles from Joshua Tree National Park.
Police said the remains were found earlier this month in a remote area where Cho was last seen. Her cause and manner of death are pending toxicology results.
CBS2's Cory James spoke with a couple from New York City who remembered meeting Cho at an Airbnb resort in southern California, described as a compound for aspiring artists. A month after the couple returned home, they learned Cho was reported missing.
Authorities said her then-ex-boyfriend told investigators she walked away from the compound around 5 p.m. on June 28, leaving behind personal belongings and "suffering from mental distress."
Thirty-three days later, investigators served a search warrant at the resort, but it's unclear what evidence, if any, was found.